Downey and Begin Fight

The competitive spirit is strong among the Habs.

Aaron Downey and Steve Begin fought each other in practice today.

Good or bad?

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20 Comments

#1 HaBz4EveR says:
December 5, 2006 at 7:18 pm

I’d say bad, because the chemistry of the team is so good that we don’t need this right now, but then again maybe it will fix some things between the two so they can work better from now on.

I guess we will see the consequences of this vs the Devils

#2 HaBz4EveR says:
December 5, 2006 at 7:21 pm

By the way, Abby is in nets tomorrow

#3 Sam says:
December 5, 2006 at 8:14 pm

If Aebishcer starts, I hope he can earn another outing and increase his value. I don’t see him part of the Habs’ future (of coarse, limiting injuries)

#4 PACTUM SERVA says:
December 5, 2006 at 8:17 pm

I thinks its good to see these things sometimes.Keeps the players on edge.

#5 Habs#1 says:
December 5, 2006 at 8:42 pm

Fights between teammates aren’t always a bad thing. It just goes to show that the competition and fire on the team is strong. It’s not like it’s frustration with the spot they’re in right now.

And it’s good to see Cristo get the night off on Wednsday, although it was a necessity with the back-to-back games.He needed a rest. But the Habs are going to need BOTH goalies to be on top of their games this month cause December is the hardest stretch of their scheduale(Devils, Islanders(who saw them coming?), Sabres twice, Boston twice more including next tuesday, Tampa Bay(still can be dangerous on some nights), Pittsburgh(if Malkin AND Crosby are going and Fleury has a good game look out), but the end of the month is kind of a relief with Washigton, Florida and Tampa again(although those games are back to back and we all saw what happened to them in the second game of the two night stand).

Cristobal just can’t play night in and night out while facing forty shots a night and win every time. So this brings me back to the trap proposition. During a period in which they’re being outplayed, while it may be boring, why not slow them down by playing a trap or rope-a-dope style hockey?

#6 Xhabsfan says:
December 6, 2006 at 4:00 am

The last 3 games brought up the same old problems,Carolina=Cole,last years first round beating;Toronto= out- played&out- husseld;Boston ???& a loss.And the truth is ,with a couple of changes,this years Habs,would be killer.MAKE THE FU#@&NG CHANGES BOB.

#7 naslund 26 says:
December 6, 2006 at 8:48 am

I think it is a good thing. Begin has not fought in a while so maybe he wanted the practice. It happens more than people think. Downeys interview was great!!!!

#8 hab-a-dab-a-do says:
December 6, 2006 at 8:57 am

NO CHANGES TO THIS TEAM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All Kovy, Sammy and Ryder need to do is break out of their little funk and this team will be on fire,It’s fans like you guys that make alot of really talented players not want to play here cause you and media are on their backs the minute they mess up,This is good team with the potental to be great, Shutup and let them play,Sick and tired of hearing change this change that, Whats next fire Carbo?

#9 Sam says:
December 6, 2006 at 9:31 am

If it’s as simple as a little funk, then I too am for give it a little time. But if you notice these losses are going to affect their current status. These same guys not being productive is not acceptable…they’re pros and being paid substantially. You seem to think that if they continue their indifferent attitude that it’s acceptable. Well, the reality is that the games that should be put to bed are not ending up as wins…that means that potentially games that they are winning (against stronger teams may not happen and as a result you end up with a losing string). That’s what we learned last year. So, giving it time – doesn’t necessarily fit the picture. What do you do when the time slipped and they’re at 500, (give you a call to get more insight)…rather do the trade now and bring in the right chemistry (with production to boot). My 2 cents. Go Habs Go!

#10 jay says:
December 6, 2006 at 9:58 am

Hey HAB A DAB

I would have a tendancy too agree with you except..We are now 1/3 of the way through the season!!! A 5 or 10 game funk to me is understandable, but the entire 2nd line has been a now show since game 1 ! You would think with the talent on that perticular line that damn they’d be somewhat feared umong the league, Actually with Kovalev and Samsonov, they should actually be the first line! but All that being said…It’s well beyond a slump at this point…It’s time for a few changes..This team has the potential to go all the way…FOR REAL! The adjustments need to be made soon!! In my opinion this is the do or die month for certain players to have the CH on their jerseys!

Go Habs Go!

#11 joshtm says:
December 6, 2006 at 10:36 am

It’s bad enough you have Souray knocking his own goalie over every game it seems, or giving the puck away in what looks like an on the purpose pass to the other team…Streit and Ninny are bad for that too, what does the defensive practice do, practice giving the puck away and knocking over your own goalie?

#12 naslund 26 says:
December 6, 2006 at 11:00 am

Sammy is a great player, but we all know it is not working out with whom he is playing with. Something has to be done or Sammy is just wasted money. Kovy is know for being lazy but he is not able to perform because first, i think he is playing injured and second, he is not a center and does not have one on him and Sammy’s line. Third, i think Guy’s gameplan does not suit sammy and Kovy’s style. But,With that said, they should be producing more than they are.. LINE Combo’s Sammy,Higgins(when returns),Kovy or Sammy, Koivu. Kovy. Give it a shot Guy.

#13 I am Canadien says:
December 6, 2006 at 11:41 am

What’s the word on Higgins? I heard that he may be back early. Let us hope…

#14 nilan says:
December 6, 2006 at 11:47 am

Obviously, you have to make the playoffs to be in the playoffs, HOWEVER we have seen in the past that Kovalev and Samsonov are playoff players…if we can get there. I too am disappointed with their performance thus far BUT Samsonov continues to skate well and force other teams to deal with him, and Kovalev has hit maybe 10-12 posts this season. This is a talented bunch, and Gainey will, in his own fashion, make the right move at the right time.
The Downey-Begin thing is just hockey. Don’t read too much into that folks.

#15 snake says:
December 6, 2006 at 11:48 am

Hey Josh:

SOuray this, Souray that?

How about SOuray scores, Souray hits, SOuray sticks up for teammates, Habs win!

#16 snake says:
December 6, 2006 at 11:48 am

IT would take a fool not to realize his importance. A real fool.

#17 I am Canadien says:
December 6, 2006 at 1:42 pm

If you lads ever played the game at a serious level you’d realize that this stuff happens in practices. Heck, it even happens in pratices at the not so serious level. It is a good thing! It shows that there is emotion and a competitive spirit in the practices. This is a winners trait!

Habs

#18 nilan says:
December 6, 2006 at 2:05 pm

Tonight- Downey makes the lineup and jackhammers someone.
Begin does what Begin always does.
Youppi drops the gloves with a peanut vender in section 124.

#19 joshtm says:
December 6, 2006 at 2:18 pm

Its true, Gainey has Souray practicing knocking over Abby, and practicing giving away the puck….its what the scouts are looking for isn’t it? Apart from the game wining slapshots of course.

#20 Joshua Poirier says:
December 11, 2006 at 5:37 pm

Downey had some time off with his head, its questionable as to why he would risk any more problems just at practice, but then again, he isnt in the show for his offensive qualities, any added agression that he can get in should pump him up to throw some fists when i matters. Begin is a spark plug! I dont know where we would be without him right now, and this altercation should help him more than hinder.

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Avatar37 : pressure playing in Montreal, since he has problems with the expectations in Washington and Montreal isn't any easier. Then again, the media were very easy on Kovalev, so maybe it's a Russian thing? No idea. Anyway, yeah, it would have to be an established star that gives us an immediate drastic upgrade at forward, that's the only way I'd trade PK, because we'd be giving up a potential QB on our blueline for the next decade.
Avatar37 : Goalie - Sure, the only player I'd say who is untradeable (meaning I wouldn't trade no matter what) is Carey Price. You build a winning team from the net out, and I don't think there's a better goalie for his age in the NHL than Price, so I wouldn't trade him. Otherwise, every player would be open for offers, but for PK Subban, it would take (for me) an already established star, like Carter or Crosby or Ovechkin. As much as I like Ovechkin, I'm not sure he could handle all the media pre
goalie : I'm not suggesting at all that we judst dump or get rid of PK. I do however believe that he is a very valued commodity in the NHL adn that the Habs will receive offers for his services. If someone ffers us young, strong, puck handling forwards who can score, I think the Habs have to look at that possible trade.
Avatar37 : Agreed. It would be a big mistake to trade PK just to move up 2 spots in the draft. PK, Emelin, and Gorges are the bright future of our defense.
Senet1 : I am with you Avatar, Subban stays, it is not often that you get a stud defenceman who can play 25+ minutes. The mistakes he makes are for the most part not that serious and people forget he is only 23 and been in the league 2 years. He has come a long way in those two years. He has offense, defence and he hits. You cannot bet much better than that. Two more years experience and he has a shot at the Norris. If Markov does anything I hope he teaches PK how to work the PP.
Avatar37 : «link»
Avatar37 : go.
Avatar37 : round exit. Heck, even the year they won the cup we almost took them out in round 1. I believe in the corps of this team, I really think we just need a few tweaks. Adding Larry Robinson to run the defense would be a BIG help, keep Cunneyworth as offensive coach, and get a head coach who can get these guys back on the right path. We need to establish an identity again, a team that won't let itself be pushed around like it was under Martin. A few scrappers on this team and we'll be good to
Avatar37 : Yeah, the only way I'd trade PK is if we were getting an established star in return, like Carter or Crosby. I don't think we're miles away from competing deep into the playoffs, the NHL has become so competitive because of the salary cap that really there aren't huge differences between the teams. Add into the equation the stupid scoring system (some games worth 2 points, some 3) that the standings don't truly reflect where teams should really be. Look at Boston, cup winners to first rou
Senet1 : It would have to be something pretty special before I would trade PK. To me he is the #1 building block of our defence. I would trade any other defenceman we have before I would trade PK.
Senet1 : An improvement in our offense and strengthening our defence. Personally, I do not think we are that far off, five players at best could get us there. One thing that has always been true about the playoffs, Defence wins and you need a strong 3rd and 4th line.
goalie : I'm more optimistic now about the Habs than I have been for the past three dreadfully long seasons!
goalie : 2: I think GM Bergevin will make somewhat of a 'blockbuster't rade either before or on the day of the draft adn I believe PK Subban will be in that package. WE have t rememebr we have to give away some talent to get back other talent. No one wants players like Moen to move up in the draft etc.
goalie : Some thoughts:The more I see the playoffs it becomes even more obvious that we're miles away from being able to 'compete' dep into the playoffs
Avatar37 : «link»
Senet1 : Young Subban might also be an option if the Russian goalie is not available. However, to me I would wait another year and attempt to use my draft 2nd round draft picks to improve out forward situation.
Senet1 : Although Rinne contact is another example of long term at the wrong time. He is 29 years old. A case could be made with Price that double his money now with bonuses if we win the cup, I think that is still allowed in contracts?
Senet1 : Problem is he is going to want Pekka Rinne money and term. That is closer to 7M. On the other hand, the contract could have step up clauses in it over the 7 years.
Avatar37 : With Price, I wouldn't blink twice about offering him a 7 year contract now, especially if he'd be willing to give up dollar value for length. 7 years at $5.5 million a year would be just fine in my book.
Avatar37 : I think the goaltending void in our current system would push me to draft Vasilevski with our second pick, if he was available. He's young and has lots of potential, but is at least 5-6 years away from starting to be ready to play on an NHL roster.
Senet1 : Long tern contracts are a risk, but if you have a super star not as much. Luongo's contract was long term but signed too late in his career.
Avatar37 : Senet - Yes, you were clear in your post, my question was directed at goalie. I'm with you in that I'd be willing to sign him to a 7 year contract. I'd be nervous about anything longer, because every single long term goalie contract I can think of turned out to be a disaster for the team signing it.
Senet1 : I think that Budaj is a better goalie than many give him credit for, is he a Price no but with a tight defence he could be a good goalie. Many teams have average goalies but have great defence and still win. Look at Detroit, for years they have had average goaltending, but won cups. Goalies can get on a roll in the playoffs, look at Huet as an example, he was not really a good goalie but played great in the playoffs, next year he was a wash. Defence makes the goalie a winner, just ask Price.
Senet1 : Having a young equivalent goalie in the system right now is not important, three years from now it will be, so we have three years to make that kind of move in the draft. I think we have more pressing needs aat the moment.
Senet1 : Personally, I do not see this as a negative because of Price's age, you wait to draft a goalie of a Patrick Roy or Brodeur some teams wait a life time. To me we have on so why would we want to not play that out for as long as we can. Bottom line is this, regardless, right now you have a stud goalie, you are either going to pay him the money he deserves for not sign him and lose him. There is no middle of the road here.
goalie : Avatar made a great point. We don't have an NHL or up adn coming NHL goalies in our system. Another great move by Gauthier. Price is sitting very pretty.
goalie : WEll Price has us by the nads. I guess I'd have to go as far as a 7 year contract due to his play adn his age.
Senet1 : Luongo is now 33, he has been a good goaltender for a number of years. I would sign Price for 7 years and at age 31 then we deal with UFA at that time. Hopefully, we could provide him with another 5 years at that time. That is my opinion anyway, I would never risk losing him as a UFA at this point in his career to me that would be a very poor management decision. Even a 10 year contract would put him only at 34 years old. If you are going to sign him to long term now is the time.
Senet1 : If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him a contract that is worthy of his abilities and his potential. It can have escalation clauses or reducing clauses like Kovalchuk's contract.
Senet1 : Avatar, I thought I was clear Yes I would sign him long term. My previous post said. The problem is if you have a out in the contract after 5 years then the player also has an out after 5 years. So no self respected lawyer would accept a contract that did not have equal escape clauses. So no I would not sign only for 5 years, if Price was 28 years old yes but not a 24. Seven years still only makes him 31 when the contract is over. If you have a young stud you have to gamble a little and give him
Avatar37 : Cammalleri trade. Given the fact that we have no NHL starting quality goaltenders in the system currently, aren't we held hostage to having to sign Price?
Avatar37 : There are many bad goalie contracts, just look at Huet. However, your post didn't answer my question as to what you'd do with Price. He's an RFA now, but for argument sake, if he were a UFA, what would you do? If he wanted a 7+ year contract, you know some other team would give him one. Would you risk losing him for nothing because you didn't want to sign a contract over 5 years? And if we lose Price, our goalies are Budaj and Robert Mayer, as we sent Karri Ramo to the Flames in the Cam
goalie : .. a 5 years contract again based upon the experience he has had AND he likes Bobby Lou!
goalie : Ditto for Philly, Ther goaltender 'situations' have both become the number 1 story line for both teams, and in Vancouver one could see the exaspiration on Gillis' adn to some extent Vigneault's faces when continously being bombarded by the loooong term contract that the Canucks are stuct with. (Gillis even said last February or so, thank goodness it looks like more than few other teams will be looking for a starting goaltender for 2012-13. He said he would never again do more than a 5 year c
goalie : I've spent the past four winters in BC thus I am very aware of the Canucks situations. I'd first say I give Gillis adn Vigneault 100% credit for being VERY supportive of Roberto L. even when Corey Schenider has vastly out played him. (I too like Bobby Lou but facts are facts).